New ‘grumpy’ fish species discovered in Red Sea

A team of researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the University of Washington has discovered a new species of fish that looks perpetually grumpy, which the researchers have named the “grumpy dwarf goby.”

Though it’s a tiny fish, less than an inch long, the canine dwarf goby has a surprisingly menacing appearance, with its large canines and fierce expression making it appear quite intimidating for such a small fish.

Lucia Pombo Ayora, who gave the species its grumpy common name, commented on its distinctive appearance: “In its own little world, it is a fearsome predator, as its grumpy expression and large canines suggest, despite its small size.”

This species’ bright red coloration actually helps it blend in with its natural habitat: it’s found on reef walls and overhangs covered in red coralline algae, where it lives in tiny holes and crevices and uses its large canines to catch tiny invertebrates. The finicky dwarf goby appears to be a relatively rare species, which is likely why it hasn’t been discovered until now.

Researchers discovered the first specimen in the Farasan Banks of Saudi Arabia, and then additional specimens were found near Thuwal in the Red Sea. The specimen was first spotted by researcher Victor Nunez-Peinemann during a diving expedition studying the diversity of coral reef fish.

Initially, the researchers thought they had rediscovered the yellow goby (Sueviota pyrios), known only from a single specimen collected in 1972. But upon closer inspection, they realized they were dealing with an entirely new, undescribed species.

“The continued discovery of distinctive new species like this finicky dwarf goby shows how much biodiversity remains to be discovered in the Red Sea,” explains Nunes-Peineman. “Given the recent environmental changes in the region, this is worrying – in some cases, species may become extinct before we have a chance to describe them.”

The region is known for its high number of endemic species, and the Grumpy Dwarf Goby is the latest addition to this unique fauna. Much of the Red Sea has suffered major disruptions from climate change in recent years, including widespread coral bleaching and death. Researchers believe that the fact that new species are still being discovered in this rapidly changing environment highlights the urgency of continued research and conservation efforts.

They published their findings in the journal ZooKeys.